TOLL CALLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23751, 3 September 1940, Page 8

TOLL CALLS

CHARGES ON MILEAGE Charges for some toll telephone calls show increases as a result of an alteration in the method of computing mileages that became effective in the weekend. This is the essential feature of the Telephone Amending Regulations just issued. Under the new scheme the charge is computed on a basis of every 10 miles for distances between 40 aud 110 miles, whereas previously it was assessed by every five miles. For distances from 110 miles charges are based on units of 20 miles, instead of 10 miles as before. Bv the now system, the charge for three minutes between Auckland and Hamilton, a distance of 85 miles, is Is 9d, against Is 8d previously. However, no increase is involved on a similar period call between Auckland and Wellington, a distance of 410 miles, but there is an increase of Id in the charge for a 400 miles call. Another example of the effect of the system is that the charge of Is for 50 miles is undisturbed, but it is now Is 2d for 55 miles against the old rate of Is Id. As there are now fewer rates, the new schedules bring: about simplification, but against the value of that from the aspect of the public are the increases for calls affected by the mileage steps. Increases mostly appear to be Id on the three-minute calls.